Sun City West golf committee to study twilight start‑time changes after resident data presentation

Residents and staff clashed over a proposal to change Twilight and Super‑Twilight start times after resident Michael Berg presented community tee‑sheet data showing large amounts of unused capacity in March and April.

Berg urged the committee to "fill that capacity" and suggested moving April Twilight earlier — to 1:00 p.m. — to convert otherwise unsold slots into paid rounds and ancillary sales such as range balls and clubhouse purchases. He told the committee that during a sample period some courses showed almost no players in the 12:30–1:22 p.m. window and that shifting times could open inventory for outside players.

Pat O'Hara, golf operations manager, pushed back on the idea of moving Twilight later in the day, saying Twilight is "sold at a reduced rate because there may not be enough daylight to finish 18 holes" and warning that at certain times of year a late‑afternoon Twilight can effectively be a full 18‑hole round; in those cases setting Twilight later risks devaluing peak‑rate inventory. O'Hara said staff proposed the timing change as a revenue exercise and that pro‑shop hours and player‑assistant coverage constrain how late tee times can safely run.

Committee members and residents offered a range of alternatives, including moving Twilight earlier by a half hour in the shoulder seasons and improving marketing of Twilight and card options. The committee did not take an immediate vote; instead it asked staff to analyze year‑round T‑sheet patterns, quantify the potential incremental paid rounds, and report findings at the next meeting so the committee could make an evidence‑based recommendation to the governing board.

Staff also noted the reservation portal upgrade planned for May could enable changes to public booking windows and lotteries; staff said those technical changes would be considered alongside any Twilight decision.